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Council education boards named

The Education Minister has announced the setting-up of Independent Recovery Boards to take over failing education services in two councils. It follows critical reports into Merthyr Tydfil and Monmouthshire councils.

Merthyr Council leader defends his record but promises co-operation

The leader of Merthyr Tydfil council, Brendan Toomey, is defending how schools have been run since Labour regained control in May last year. However, he has promised to co-operate with the minister's decision to take the schools off the council. They'll probably be transferred to Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Since May, 2012, the new Labour led administration has wasted no time in meeting the challengehead on with regards to raising the education standards throughout Merthyr Tydfil. Our principal aim has been, and will continue to be, to provide the highest level of education for the young people of Merthyr Tydfil. We recognise that there are significant challenges ahead for all who work within our education services in order to raise standards of attainment and achievement for our children and young people.

The encouraging news is that we have many ‘green shoots’ and are clear about how to address the significant shortcomings. Already we have begun to implement our strategic plan and are beginning to see improvements. The Minister has announced that discussions now have to take place in order to agree on the most appropriate model to deliver the changes needed. I am happy to work withappropriate organisations to achieve this result.